"Udta Punjab' judgement victory for freedom of speech'

Mumbai: Calling it a victory for freedom of speech and expression, the legal fraternity here welcomed the judgement of Bombay High Court today, in which it ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to certify Bollywood film 'Udta Punjab' within 48 hours.

Shahid kapoor in Udta Punjab

"It is a welcome judgement which advances the cause of freedom of speech and expression," prominent human rights lawyer Mihir Desai told PTI.

Another prominent lawyer Uday Waranjikar said the freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, but regulated. However, if restrictions are unreasonable, then the court of law is the only remedy.

"I feel that by virtue of today's High Court order, the belief of common man in judiciary will strengthen," he said.

"I also feel artists have been given a greater responsibility by the HC order. I am sure artists shall stand up by the Court order," he said.

Noted lawyer Pranab Badheka said, "The High Court order is victory for freedom of speech and expression and freedom of creative ideas of the film fraternity."

The court has upheld the Fundamental Right of freedom of speech and expression and it is a victory for people with creative ideas, he said.

The HC today asked the censor board to certify the drug-themed film within 48 hours to enable its release on the scheduled date of June 17.

The CBFC's revising committee had suggested 13 changes to the film before certifying it.

However, Anurag Kashyap's company, Phantom Films, which has produced the movie moved the HC challenging the order